Meet Sarah Lambourne designer for Bourne Collections a brand that we have stocked in the Boutique for eleven and a half years… since the day the Boutique opened! Bourne is a beautiful brand that we stock every season and we love the vibrancy and different styles that they have to offer. Bourne is definitely a stand out design for us. And we know that if you are wearing a Bourne dress it will be unique and not many people will have it.

Sarah has answered a few questions for us so you can get to know the designer better.

1.When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career in fashion design and become a designer?

I’ve always had a fascination for clothes and particularly shoes but I was quite academic at school so it was only in my final year that I chose to study fashion design rather than become a marine biologist….

2.What is the story behind the name?

The clue is in my surname – LamBOURNE. If I had my time again, I would probably use my full name but at the time I thought it was too long.

3.What is your theme/influence behind this season’s collection?

We don’t really work with themes but we do have a strong brand signature. Our colour palette is always striking and unique with exclusive prints and structured embellishment. We try hard to create dresses that will make the wearer stand out in a crowd and to offer a more individual approach to event dressing.

4.How do you want women to feel when wearing your fashion?

Confident, individual and feminine.

5. What has the biggest challenge been in your career as designer?

There are so many challenges when setting up a business that it’s hard to know where to start. Certainly finding the right manufacturing partner has been very tricky. It’s taken a few false starts but we finally feel that we are in safe hands now. Also trying to run three businesses and take care of two teenage boys is a challenge not to be sniffed at.

6. How is working in fashion different today from when you started?

It is much harder unfortunately. Generally speaking, and contrary to popular belief, people are still spending money. But these days it’s more likely to be on the latest iPhone, status symbol cars, private education, eating out and frequent holidays. Clothes and shoes are much further down the wish list than they used to be.

7.How do you keep yourself motivate and creative every season?

Keep a young, enthusiastic team around you!

Quick Fire Round

Favourite clothing brand:I’m not a loyal shopper but COS always gets a visit when I’m in town and there is a shop in Hong Kong called Concepts that’s a must when I’m visiting factories.

Last Holiday:Pollensa, Majorca. Laid back paradise.

Last Fashion Purchase:White Adidas Stan Smith bold!

Best meal you have had: You can’t beat the dumplings at Din Tai Fung.

Last Book you read:Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence. Not what I expected.

How do you relax:I’m not good at relaxing but gardening, running and list writing keep me calm.

What is your favourite Bourne piece:We have a jumpsuit every season and because my style is more minimal, this is the piece that works for me.